SGK

SGK, short for Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu, is a Turkish government agency responsible for administering the country’s social security system, including pension, disability and survivorship benefits, as well as general health insurance. It was established in 2006 under Law No. 5502 to unify the country’s social security programs, merging the former Social Insurance Institution (SSK), the Bağ-Kur system for self-employed and other workers, and the General Health Insurance program into a single payer.

The agency collects contributions from employers, employees, and the self-employed, processes benefit claims, and disburses monthly pensions and health-related payments. It maintains records of insured individuals, coordinates with healthcare providers, and handles eligibility determinations for various social security benefits. SGK also aims to improve access to services through digital channels, including online inquiries about contributions, benefit status, and pension calculations, alongside traditional in-person services.

Governance and scope: SGK operates under the oversight of the relevant government ministry and is a central component of Turkey’s welfare system. It plays a key role in financing and delivering social protection, with reforms and policy changes often affecting how pensions, health care, and related benefits are funded and administered across the country.

Other uses: While SGK can refer to other organizations in different contexts, in Turkey it most commonly denotes the Sosyal Güvenlik Kurumu, the national social security authority.